Canton, Edgewood, Fruitvale, Grand Saline, Van and Wills Point all took a major step forward towards the start of the 2017 this week, participating in their first preseason scrimmages against other schools Aug. 18-19.

Canton

The Canton Eagles were scheduled to be home twice, hosting Mt. Vernon Aug. 18 and Kaufman Aug. 24 in a pair of scrimmages to prep for the season opener Sept. 1.

Mt. Vernon should provide a solid test for the Eagles, coming off a season in which they finished 5-5 overall with a loss to White Oak in the bi-district round of the playoffs.

The Tigers will bring plenty of experience with them to Canton, returning eight starters on both sides of the ball.

Edgewood

The Edgewood Bulldogs will look to pick up where they left off during the 2016 season with scrimmages set to include a home matchup with Hughes Springs Aug. 18 and a scrimmage on the road in Mt. Vernon Aug. 24.

The Hughes Springs Mustangs are expected to be much better than when they finished with a 4-6 record in 2016, returning seven offensive and six defensive starters this season.